CHAPTER 19 Confess Before You Address (Why Honest Sellers Sleep Better and Don’t Get Sued) So, you’ve scrubbed the house until the grout sparkles, the baseboards are whiter than your teeth, and you’ve hidden that suspicious squeaky floorboard under a tastefully placed rug. You’re ready to sell, right?
Wrong.
There’s still one thing standing between you and a peaceful, lawsuit-free existence: disclosures.
Let’s Get One Thing Straight
You cannot Febreze your way out of every issue. You can’t legally say, “That moldy smell is just vintage charm,” and hope for the best. Whether it’s a leaky basement, a misbehaving pipe, or the fact that raccoons once hosted a rave in your attic, you’re obligated to disclose it. In fact, many states now require written disclosures for issues that could impact the value of your property—or just make your buyer scream, cry, or sue.
Truth Bomb: Honesty Actually Helps You Sell
I know it sounds backward—"Tell buyers what’s wrong? Are you trying to scare them away?" But trust me, being upfront builds trust. People are more likely to believe you when you say what’s great if you’re also honest about what’s... not. 84
Powered by FlippingBook